The story with step-parent adoption

All you need to know if you're considering adopting your spouse's child

When a single mother meets someone and gets married, if her new partner is not the biological father of the child, they will have the option of applying for step-parent adoption. This is when the step-father adopts the child, to secure the legal link between them.

So what are the impacts of this?

The step-father becomes the legal adoptive father of the child

The step-father will have all the same rights and responsibilities as any parent

The biological father will lose all their rights and responsibilities over the child, and there will be no possibility of getting those rights back in the future

The biological father is consulted before a step-parent adoption takes place, whether the biological father has guardianship rights or not

It is rare that a step-parent adoption would be done without the consent of the biological father

Why might someone go for step-parent adoption?

It might help give the child a sense of security

It shows that their step-father is committed to looking after them

It gives the child a little added legal protection, which is especially important in the event of the mother’s death

How do I apply for it?

You need to apply through your local HSE adoption team. Your family will the be assessed by a social worker to make sure it’s the best option for you.